A parent and child duo who previously identified as mother and daughter have transitioned together and now live as father and son.
From Brazil, a powerful story of identity, courage, and family is capturing hearts online.
A father and son — Raphael, 38, and Gustavo, just 10 — have been sharing their inspiring journey of gender transition with more than 24,000 followers on Instagram. Both were assigned female at birth, but today they proudly live as men, supported by Brazil’s evolving public healthcare system that now offers free, gender-affirming care.
Raphael began his transition last year. Gustavo’s journey started even earlier — at the age of four — showing extraordinary self-awareness and bravery. Thanks to São Paulo’s inclusive approach to trans healthcare, Raphael received care at Campo Limpo Municipal Hospital, while Gustavo, as a minor, was treated by specialists at the Institute of Psychiatry and the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit.
Though their transitions unfolded side by side, Raphael emphasizes they were not influenced by one another. “It didn’t influence him,” Raphael said of his son, “but he gave me the strength and courage to face my own transition.”
For Gustavo, the shift in family roles felt instinctively right. “It wasn’t difficult to call my mother ‘dad,’” he said with ease — a reflection of how natural and affirming their transformation has been.
They’ve also been vocal about the importance of using chosen names — rejecting the “dead names” from their past. “Respecting our chosen names is a right,” they wrote in an emotional Instagram post, “but unfortunately, respect is often missing in reality.”
Despite the challenges, they’ve found hope and belonging — attending trans pride events together, hand in hand. For Raphael, hearing his name spoken aloud in celebration was unforgettable: “Being called Raphael for the first time was surreal — I had never felt so happy.”
Their story is one of love, strength, and authenticity — a reminder of the freedom that comes with living your truth.
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